Deputy Inspector Scott Henderson of the 88th Precinct announced three men have been arrested in connection with the recent car break-ins near St. Joseph’s College in Clinton Hill.

The police believe one suspect, who has a rap sheet with 35 arrests, is responsible for the majority of the robberies.

“This is what he does to support his drug habit” Henderson said at a town hall meeting hosted by Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo at the college last week.

Henderson said during the past month the precinct has had 55 car break-ins, with 25 at the college, more than double the amount the precinct had at this time last year. Henderson said several officers worked undercover late at night to catch the thieves.

The last suspect was arrested March 7, but there was one break-in on March 10, so Henderson urged residents to continue to stay vigilant, removing all valuables from their cars and keeping the doors locked.

Cumbo thanked the 88th Precinct for its hard work, and said the burglaries violated the safety and privacy of the community.

“This really was a very serious issue,” she said.

Ruth Saunders, who has lived in Clinton Hill for 42 years, said she never experienced anything like this. A couple weeks ago she found her car doors unlocked, and while nothing was missing the car would not start. The thief stole the car's computer and forced her to spend $500 on a new one.